Sixers say Bynum could be sidelined until January

The Philadelphia 76ers updated the injured knee of center Andrew Bynum on Monday, saying he might not suit up for his new team until January.

Bynum, acquired by the Sixers from the Lakers in August as part of the four-
team, 12-player blockbuster trade that sent Dwight Howard from Orlando to Los
Angeles, was diagnosed with a bone bruise of the right knee in September and
has had numerous examinations in the past two months.

Doctors continued to push back his training schedule after each set of tests.
The latest MRI exam was taken last Monday and the Sixers said the prognosis
may allow Bynum to start normal basketball activity in mid-December.

Bynum can immediately start low impact exercise and will follow in two weeks
with treadmill work for an additional three weeks. The Sixers then determined
Bynum would need an extra 1-4 weeks for conditioning and practice before he
could begin game action.

"We know that Sixers fans are eager to see Andrew Bynum play and shine in a
76ers uniform," said 76ers general manager Tony DiLeo in a statement Monday.
"We also know that no one is more eager to see Andrew play for the Sixers than
Andrew himself. He fully realizes the key contribution he can make to the
team. Hopefully, that day is coming soon."

Bynum, who has a history of troubles with both knees, appeared in 60 games and
averaged 18.7 points with 11.8 rebounds for the Lakers last season.